Sindh Development Institute

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Sindh's Place Under the Sun

July 28, 2007

Dear Friends

I was just listening to a lecture about Korea and its place under the sun. As we all know, there are two Koreas. One of them is South Korea which is a very developed and further developing country. Its technology and standard of living matches that of many parts of europe. Another part of Korea is in a much worse shape. But it may begin to change too.

It made me think about our Sindh and its place under the sun. Again, there are two Sindhs. Karachi is capital of Sindh. It has many problems but is far ahead of the second Sindh which is rural Sindh.

Let us go back a step. "Under the sun", we have USA and Europe who are not only developed but are further developing in every conceivable area of science, technology, living standard etc. Then we have Russia who is coming back in every possible way principally thanks to high prices and income from oil and gas. Then we have Japan, China, Korea, Singapore who are doing well for their people. Even places like Brazil, Mexico, Turkey are moving foward.

Getting closer to Sindh under the sun, we begin to see a different world. We have India which still has a lot of poverty and human misery but it is developing fast with a lot of hope in future. We have oil rich arabs who are enjoying all comforts of the developed world but are faced with enormous unstability and potential wars and disaster.

Coming down from the sun, as we approach Pakistan, we see pockets of significant development such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad. But the country also faces huge unstability and potential civil and international wars. The future is less than bright.

As we approach rural Sindh, we see 20% people having a reasonable living. But 80% are drowned in misery. Is there a future for this place? "NO" if the current trends in terms of political and economic discrimination, ethnic war, lack of water, lack of law and order etc continue.

"YES", there is bright future if we can change the current trends. If we can become a part of political detente and understanding, if we can learn to use ethnic diversity to our advantage; if we can learn to make a better use of availabale water; if we can solve law and order problem etc. Yes, none of that is easy. We hope that our discontent and our political agitation will persude some one else to come and solve our problems. It has not happened so far and is not likely to happen soon.

What will be sindh's place under the sun 20 years from now? For example, our whole coast can be like Dubai -- very developed and prosperous with higher incomes spreading to all parts of interior. Or it could be much worse than it is today. Some one has to make right choices.

How Sindhis Feel: Memorandum to All Parties Conference (APC)

How Sindhis Feel?

Memorandum to All Political Parties and their representatives in APC

Today Sindhi speaking people feel disfranchised in Pakistan. They feel that despite being principle political creators and supporters of Pakistan movement, they have been ignored and left behind in Pakistan. All those who have tried to speak for welfare of Sindhis have been labeled traitors and separatist rather than well-wishers of people of Pakistan who are being ignored and left behind.

Among other things, Sindhis feel that:

Sindhi language and culture have been ignored and has been deliberately pushed back. Sindhis are not in competition with Urdu. They simply seek preservation and development of their language and culture, which are many thousands of years old.

Based on international reports from the Asian Development Bank, World Bank etc, poverty among Sindhi speaking people who reside principally in interior of Sindh is on the rise. It is higher than that in Punjab, NWFP and average rate for whole Pakistan. About 50% of Sindhis live below poverty line while average poverty rate for Pakistan is roughly about 30%.

While Sindhis used to have plenty of irrigation and drinking water, today Sindhi lands and mouths are dry. On the other hand, Sindhis are given undue share of dangerous floodwater and poisonous drainage water from other provinces. As a result, water borne diseases are rampant in Sindh.

Sindhis are deprived of own leadership. While some provinces have been rightfully given freedom to choose own leaders, Federal government has always taken upon itself to impose hand picked leaders on Sindh. In making the choice, priority is given to those who will be acceptable even loyal to others rather than those who will have genuine interest in development of Sindh.

In recent years, Sindh government has been literally handed over to MQM. Rural Sindh has been deliberately handed back to feudal. Law and order has been handed over to tribal Jirgas. Middle class has been crushed in every possible way.

For decades Sindhis have been deprived of fair representation in armed forces of Pakistan because they had fought British rule. Tall and strong Sindhis were rejected and short and physically weak non-Sindhis were welcomed in armed forces because they were from communities, which were acceptable to British raj. Enough of this so called “martial race” business.

Sindhis have been promoters, supporters of Pakistan. Sindhis willingly accept their own shortcomings. However, they refuse to be treated as second-class citizens in Pakistan, which their assembly and people supported from the start.

Sindhis ask all political parties and military and civil bureaucracy of Pakistan to treat them fairly. SINDHIS WANT FAIRNESS IN FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN.

Sindhis seek concrete action to ensure that they will be treated as equal citizens of Pakistan. They seek support of all political parties of Pakistan and military and civil bureaucracy for:

Several fold increases in resources to help develop Sindhi language and culture

Quality education and jobs to make up for past discrimination and other measures to reduce poverty to at least average rate for whole Pakistan. This means effective reduction of poverty from about 50% to about 30%.

Full registration of poor rural Sindhi voters.

Transparent national and local elections on basis of which Sindhis will receive fair share in running affairs of their provincial government.

Induction of Sindhi leaders in government who will be sincere to Sindhis rather than those who will be acceptable to MQM and federal agencies.

Large-scale recruitment of Sindhis at all levels in national armed forces until they receive a fair representation on basis of population.

Fair share of national budgetary resources consistent with income generated in Sindh and existing high poverty rate. The resources must be spent on rural development which will improve quality of life rather than spending of the money on some mega projects which benefit a few.

Urgent water and electric distribution policies and schemes to provide irrigation water, drinking water and electricity to rural Sindhis. Sindhis are tired of being the last in the queue.

ABOVE ALL SINDHIS SEEK FAIRNESS IN FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN IN EVERY WAY. SINDHI CHILDREN MUST BE TREATED SAME WAY AS PUNJABI AND MOHAJIR CHILDREN. THEY REFUSE TO CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD.

Initiating Self-Sustaining Project at EducateSindh

Dear SohailI am glad to hear that EducateSindh is also thinking about initiating a suitable self sustaining project. I shall like to simply repeat what I have said earlier.I agree that we need a proper organization. I think that Sain Iqrar Ali Soomro has identified some essential steps. I am ready to assist in every possible way.I think that the organization should be primarily based in Pakistan. Those of us who are abroad should support it as needed.I call upon friends like Dr Suleman Shaikh, Sain Altaf Shaikh, Sain Mushaq Talpur (to name a few) and all of you who have desire to help develop Sindhis, and those who have responded positively to come forward and assist in forming a suitable organization.IN THE MEAN TIME, IT REQUEST THAT YOU ASSIST NEEDY SINDHI STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTENCE. I AM SURE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU KNOWS ONE OR MORE NEEDY STUDENT WHO SESERVES HELP. PLEASE HELP THEM ON INDIVIDUAL BASIS UNTIL A PROPER ORGANIZATION IS FORMED.Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.Ali Nawaz MemonSindh Development Institute7204 Antares DriveGaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/sindhhouse@hotmail.com

Firstly, we would like to thank all friends who provided a thought provoking input in regards to establishing a mechanism where some sort of financial assistance could be provided to deserving fellow sindhis. We respect and value this.

We believe, EducateSindh is a result-oriented community of Sindhi professionals where core matters pertaining to the well-being of Sindh are raised & analysed in pursuit of an optimum solution. We have engineers, doctors, scientists, Lawyers, Teachers, business professionals, politicians, Journalists,students and others as part of our team. Our aim is to grow our community and produce results and we believe we are onto it.

When it comes to addressing a specific task, we suggest to address it systematically.We believe, raising money is not an issue. However, the main concern would be distribution of resources evenly, transparency, etc.Like various friends quoted that similar projects were initiated in the past but that couldn't withstand much longer due to lack of planning, commitment etc. Therefore, in order to avoid any disappointments we should go for a project at this stage which is self-sustaining, easy to manage, and cost effective. For this reason dedicated friends are required who are excellent team players, enthusiastic, self motivated and able to motivate others to achieve higher standards. Interested friends may come forward and advise what capacity they would like to work.

Once a team has been selected for this specific project, its essential skills, knowledge and experience would be required to formulate a detailed feasibility study covering initiation, planning, execution and completion of this project.

Relevant project information (i.e. target audience, completion dates, end-results etc) may also be made available to those who have any concerns regarding the credibility of this project.

Lets organize a team first, write a detailed project plan and then put it altogether in action.

Need for a Scholarship Fund organization

June 30, 2007

I agree that we need a proper organization. I think that Sain Iqrar Ali Soomro has identified some essential steps. I am ready to assist in every possible way.

I think that the organization should be primarily based in Pakistan. Those of us who are abroad should support it as needed.I call upon friends like Dr Suleman Shaikh, Sain Altaf Shaikh, Sain Mushaq Talpur (to name a few) and all of you who have desire to help develop Sindhis, and those who have responded positively to come forward and assist in forming a suitable organization.IN THE MEAN TIME, IT REQUEST THAT YOU ASSIST NEEDY SINDHI STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTENCE. I AM SURE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU KNOWS ONE OR MORE NEEDY STUDENT WHO SESERVES HELP. PLEASE HELP THEM ON INDIVIDUAL BASIS UNTIL A PROPER ORGANIZATION IS FORMED.Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome. Ali Nawaz Memon Sindh Development Institute 7204 Antares Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879 http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/ sindhhouse@hotmail.com

Genius Lost in Sindh

June 16, 2007

Dear FriendsRecently I came accross story of a 12 year old boy. He had never been to school nor could he read or write or count until he was 10 years.The teacher soon discovered that the boy was genius in arithmetic. Within 2 years of coming to elementry school, he could add series of numbers in his head, faster than the teacher could mannually. A genius was discovered.I wonder how many genius we have in Sindh who are never discovered. I lot of human talent is lost!I hope that we, the luckier Sindhis will do everything in our power to stop loss of human and in particular our own genius. As one possible way, please support and give scholarships for any needy child that you know about. educate Sindh.Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.Ali Nawaz MemonSindh Development Institute7204 Antares Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879 http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/sindhhouse@hotmail.com

Development of Sindh

March 31, 2007

Dear Friends1. We all can agree that Sindhis are falling behind each day. Denial of their rights by others is clearly a very important factor. Denying each other's rights by Sindhis themselves, allowing educational and other institutions to reach state of ruin etc are other significant causes.We need to work simultenously on both sides of issus-- external to Sindhis and internal to Sindhis. However, we should be doing each day what ever we can do.2. Sain Khalid Hashmani is rightly concerned. In this particular email, he has drawn attention to violation of Sindhi rights by others. He has suggested holding of demonstrations in major cities of USA. Why? Because we need to bring our misery to attention of american society and decision makers. I think it is a good idea. Holding seminars like WSI has been doing and holding demonstrations combined with holding press conferences will be useful. WSI has done a good job of sensitising american stakeholders.3. I am sure that there are other things that we can do too. Personally, I like to contact concerned persons directly. I like to share two recent experiences so that others may consider the same approach of directly doing something.(a) About three weeks ago, I learnt from World Bank sources that repackaging of Kalabagh was planned and a senior World Bank team was going to Pakistan for that purpose. I directly contacted about twenty persons who could do something. Thank God, many people were alerted in a timely manner. I am thankful to Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto who issued the following instruction:"Chairperson desires that the matter below be brought to the attention of the President Sindh as well as the Leader of Opposition Sindh Assembly. They may like to discuss it with their experts with a view for Leader of Opposition to write to World Bank expressing concerns on their proposed visit. Second NGOs may also be asked to write similar letters. Third, parties of Balauchistan and Frontier who oppose the Kalabagh Dam may write to draw attention to their provinces position through the Assembly."(b) Last week we learnt that admissions for Sindhis at Dow Medical were threatened. I wrote a strong note to past and present MQM chiefs in USA. I received the following response within two hours:"We are checking up with our London office as well as from Karachi as to the background of this action. Once we have the clear picture we'll revert back to you."

I am waiting for some concrete action.

4. The main struggle for Sindhi rights has to be within Sindh. We all are convinced about the need for unity which can lead to more effective action. In this context, we the overseas sindhis can play a part.

About two years ago, I joined a JOINT MISSION OF AMERICANS OF INDO PAK ORIGIN and travelled to both Pakistan and India to urge peaceful reolution of outstanding issues. People and leaders of both countries welcomed us and listened to us.

I recommend formation and sending of similar team of american Sindhis to Pakistan and other appropriate places to meet people and leaders to try to halt downward slide of Sindhis. Detailed terms of reference can be formulated. I shall be happy to be a part of such a team.5. Personally I like to focus on improving economic lot of Sindhis. I need support for generating 100,000 scholarships for Sindhis. We need to find practical ways of helping individual Sindhis to prosper. How can we persuade businessmen to help sindhis in establishing businesses?

6. Let us hear from others about what should and can be done. Then let us formulate a strategy and ACT. I definately support the idea of demonstrations. But I think we need more.

Your messages and ideas have moved me and I am sure others to ponder over the latest attacks on Sindhi Rights and what we do. We all know that many of adversaries of Sindhis have unified and have a strategy to overwhelm Sindh and Sindhis. Unfortunately, we are mostly in "reactive" mode and tend to simply show half-hearted reaction to actions that usurp of our rights. In my view, what we also need is a strategy of unquestionable unity on a simple principle that "WE WILL NOT ACCEPT INJUSTICES ANY MORE" and launch a unified movement here in North America that will soon catch on in Pakistan and other countries to bring attention of other Pakistani and world communities to the plight of Sindhis.

Many of us appear to be satisfied with issuing statements and writing e-mails but shy away from any tangible actions that involve moving away from our PCs. When was the last time SANA, the largest organization of North American Sindhis, demonstrated in a major city like New York, Toronto or Washington DC for Sindhi Rights. Almost all of the successful Rights movements have had an activist agenda with rallies and demonstrations not only locally but also internationally. Neither the black civil rights movement in the USA nor people of Quebec would have achieved their lingual and economic rights peacefully without a super activist agenda The first step in achieving and preserving Sindhi Rights is to create awareness about the discrimination and exploitation of Sindhis (refer to the Objectives section in SANA charter) in Pakistan and rest of the world. Without people being aware that Sindhis are under severe attack as their basic rights are being trembled and that they are being forcibly reduced to a minority in their own land, we have no chance of attracting any support and sympathy from others.

I propose that SANA President, without any reservation and fear from any reaction of pragmatists, call for holding of rallies and demonstrations on a suitable day in the next few weeks. He should extend a hand of unity to all other Sindhi organizations and ask them to join the "Sindhi Rights" campaign. The SANA President should call for a "SINDHI RIGHTS" day. On this day, Sindhis from all over the world should be encouraged to hold peaceful rallies in front of Pakistan embassies or in locally significant locations (e.g., White House, UK Parliament, etc.). This should be followed up with consistent and diligent activities conducted in a unified manner until the injustices stop and our adversaries are unable to further discriminate and exploit us.

I wonder how many of us are very much content to go on doing what they are doing now comfortably and how many are willing to shed away lethargy and apathy and join hands for a "SINDHI RIGHTS" campaign.

Thanks and regards,

Khalid HashmaniMcLean, Virginia, USAAziz Narejo wrote:

It is a part of the Musharraf/Military/ MQM plan to dispossess Sindhis from their cities and turn them into a minority in their own land...It should be the priority of all to end the military dictatorship and defeat the terrorists in their designs.

Yes, SANA should play an active role in the struggle for the rights of our people. We had formed the SANA Human Rights Committee to take up the issues affecting the rights of the people of Sindh. Unfortunately that and most other committees couldn't become active.

.. That should be the practical thing to do. Members may also suggest what else we CAN do.

Please help,

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Gul Agha wrote:

Ethnic cleansing of Sindhi villages, demolition of Lyari homes, rejection of residence based on parents' domicile, and now ways of keeping more Sindhis out of Karachi.. -----------------------------------------------------------------Date: Sun, Mar 25 2007 10:41pmFrom: Mushtaque RajparDawn has reported a demonstratoin by Sindhi Students in Hyderaba and Karachi condemning Dow Medical University's new admission policy, under which, as reported, DMU has abolished the 28 reserved seats for the interior Sindh students.Reported Dow has made it manadatory for students applying for admission to have their parents domicile of Karachi district. ----------------------------------------------------------------------Gul Agha wrote:

We all have our beliefs and should respect each other for them. But what all decent, informed people can agree on is that the Sindhi people have a right to determine their future free of violent coercion. We cannot respect people who would deny the Sindhi people this fundamental moral and legal right. The right of self-determination , enshrined in international law for all peoples, should be freely exercised under UN supervision since we cannot trust the Pakistani style "referendums" and electoral shenanigans. Then the Sindhi people can decide whatever they want, 1940 resolution on autonomy, 1973 so-called "federalist" constitution, 1847 independence, etc.. then we can debate the merits of various options meaningfully, and agree to respect the choice of the people. ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Ali Nawaz Memon wrote:

In a way, we are a minority-- and a very weak one at that.Looking at history of weak minorities, they linger on, perish or prosper. The way we are going, we are lingering with a downward trend. May be in few decades, Sindhis will be a story of the past.

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Saifullah Shaikh wrote:..Indeed I was not surprised to see,and as expected---there wasno practical approach/strategy for combinedmovement---- -same old Rhetoric -------all newspapersclearly r indicating that there is no sign of unity inSindh. During last 72 hours---Jeay Sindh,s BashirQureshi is marching through whole Sindh ---as a lonelywolf!---and have made repeated appeals to otherNationalist leaders to join him?! but nobody hasresponded. Law attorneys/advocates r suffering fromhead injuries---but still Nawaz Sharif/Benazir renjoing tea/biscuits and r not able to understand theconsequences of lack of organization in their ownso-called political parties!!,and 24 hours ago AltafHussain from London has issued statement/warningfor/in favor of Provincial autonomy and have openlychallenged Composition of Pakistan state on the basisof 1940 resolution? Atleast I m not seeing any sign ofunity among Sindhi politicians- --and i m notsurprised!.On coming Thursday we r going to attendanother political/huge gathering in Karachi on thishot issue of Provincial Autonomy---- --so our dearSindhi Friends--we r waiting for any plan/action onthe ground to watch any sign of unity/real strugglenot only to support Pakistan lawyers movement,but forpractical steps towards provincialautonomy---particul arly from Nationalist leaders andfrom PPP/Sindh leadership-- -whole Sindh is watchingclosely. Sincerely, SaifullahShaikh-----presentl y in Khairpur Mir,s Sindh.

Sindhis have to prosper

Dear FriendsIn a way, we are a minority-- and a very weak one at that.Looking at history of weak minorities, they linger on, perish or prosper. The way we are going, we are lingering with a downward trend. May be in few decades, Sindhis will be a story of the past.What about the third option i.e. Prosper!. Looking at some of the minorities of our times, they chose to prosper. They include Ismailies (Agha Khanis), Ahmadis, Jews, Sindhi Hindus, Mormons (a minority among Christians). How did they do it?They focussed on education, business and charity for each other. Whatever they earned, they contributed about 10% for community development. The money was used for better education, better and more business development, and more community support. eventually, a majority of them prospered.This option is open. We know that many Sindhis have accepted this or a part of this formula. There are many who have focussed on business and are doing well. The missing ingrediant for them is community help and development. Then there is the question of bringing in rest of the community in business development.It is a tall order. But please start spending 10% of whatever you earn on community development. Give it to needy relative as a scholarship or help some one in openning a shop. Do something,Once we are financially and educationally strong, political strength will follow.Ali Nawaz Memon

Good GovernanceAttributes

Dear FriendsWe often talk about good governace. I have been looking for a good defination. I have just come accross the following attributes. Let us apply this to our circumstance and see what we ought to do.The United Nations Committee for Development Planning in its report issued in 1992 entitled “Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development: Goals in Conflict?” identified the following as being part of the attributes of good governance:

2. Checks on executive power, effective and informed legislatures, clear lines ofaccountability from political leaders down through the bureaucracy;

3. An open political system of law which encourages an active and vigilant civilsociety whose interests are represented within accountable governmentstructures and which ensures that public offices are based on law and consent;

4. An impartial system of law, criminal justice and public order which upholdsfundamental civil and political rights, protects personal security and provides acontext of consistent, transparent rules for transactions that are necessary tomodern economic and social development;

5. A professionally competent, capable and honest public service which operates within an accountable, rule governed framework and in which the principles of merit and the public interest are paramount;

6. The capacity to undertake sound fiscal planning, expenditure and economicmanagement and system of financial accountability and evaluation of publicsector activities;

7. Attention not only to central government institutions and processes but also to the attributes and capacities of sub-national and local government authorities and to the issues of political devolution and administrative decentralisation.

I hope and pray that during next PPP government, we shall be able to deliver on all of the above. Good governance is not easy but can have lasting positive impact.Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.Ali Nawaz MemonSindh Development Institute7204 Antares Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879 http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/sindhhouse@hotmail.com

Friday, March 23, 2007

Good Governance Attributes

The United Nations Committee for Development Planning in its report issued in 1992 entitled “Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development: Goals in Conflict?” identified the following as being part of the attributes of good governance:

2. Checks on executive power, effective and informed legislatures, clear lines ofaccountability from political leaders down through the bureaucracy;

3. An open political system of law which encourages an active and vigilant civilsociety whose interests are represented within accountable governmentstructures and which ensures that public offices are based on law and consent;

4. An impartial system of law, criminal justice and public order which upholdsfundamental civil and political rights, protects personal security and provides acontext of consistent, transparent rules for transactions that are necessary tomodern economic and social development;

5. A professionally competent, capable and honest public service which operates within an accountable, rule governed framework and in which the principles of merit and the public interest are paramount;

6. The capacity to undertake sound fiscal planning, expenditure and economicmanagement and system of financial accountability and evaluation of publicsector activities;

7. Attention not only to central government institutions and processes but also to the attributes and capacities of sub-national and local government authorities and to the issues of political devolution and administrative decentralisation.

I hope and pray that during next PPP government, we shall be able to deliver on all of the above. Good governance is not easy but can have lasting positive impact.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

A Myth: Sindh Is Against Development: Attn: Leaders, Supreme Court

So Sindh is anti-development if it opposes the steal, fraud, cheat, rip-off,Con and swindle of what rightfully belongs to it!!!

The case in point is the bilking away of the two islands off the coast ofKarachi. And that is just the tip of the iceberg! Sindh is being fleeced forlong now. The lands, the sea, the air, the resources, the soul, the culture andeven its heritage!

Did Sindhis become part of Pakistan to be defrauded of everything thatbelonged to them? How long should they be made to pay for the folly they made in 1947? - Or the folly of 1943 - to be precise - when their assembly became the first provincial assembly in the Indian sub-continent tosupport the demand for Pakistan?

(Do you remember G. M. Syed? He moved that resolution in Sindh assembly andpleaded and defended it vehemently while many opposed).

Haven't Sindhis paid enough for their 'blunder'? Why to bleed them to death?

This is an appeal to all the leadership of Pakistan and the Supreme Court ofPakistan to immediately intervene and stop the usurpation of what belongs to theprovince. This is an urgent and a real matter. They should act or shouldn'tblame the people if they start looking for other options.

Here is a letter that I wrote to Pakistani media on May 16, 2004. It waspartially published in daily Dawn on May 19, 2004:

Dams, port, NFC, a myth & hemlock

The authors of fantastic ideologies, fables and fairy tales have crafted a myththat the people of Sindh and Balochistan are anti-development. This falsehoodhas been based on Sindh opposition to mega water projects andBalochistan's concerns over the under-construction Gwadar port.

Instead offinding out why is it so, the two provinces have been discredited and condemned. Why does Balochistan have reservations about the port? The Baloch leaders saythe project would create a demographic imbalance, turning the local people intoa minority in their own province. They say the people should be co-opted for anydevelopment projects in their areas. To support their argument, they point outto whatever has happened to Sindh where the local population has beenoutnumbered in many areas and has lost heavily in social, cultural, economic andother fields.

Why do Sindhis oppose mega water projects? They look at the history and trembleat the thought what any new dams and canals upstream would do to them. They seethe broken promises, agreements and treaties.

How the upper riparian unilaterally bypassed the 1945 Water Agreement, the onlyaccord between Sindh and Punjab reached without any coercion or intimidation?They have seen what has happened to six water commissions since the British Raj.They know how the Indus Basin Treaty was concluded behind their backs and howthe resultant projects were undertaken just for the benefit of one province.

People of Sindh are also aware how an unrepresentative regime was forced to signthe 1991 Water Accord. And today even that agreement is not being followed. Thepeople know under what agreements and promises the Chashma-Jehlum andTaunsa-Panjnad canals were built and how these agreements and promises have beentrashed.

It is universally accepted that upper riparian can't undertake any megaprojects as it pleases and that already existing projects have the precedenceover any new projects.

That was the principle why the British administrators rejected Greater ThalCanal project. And today 'our own government' in utter disrespect to the wishesof the lower riparian is building the same project! When there is already a hugeshortage of water in the Indus River System, where would the water come from forthe canal? Sindh is justified in its opposition, as it knows who would suffer inthe end. Its agriculture and environment has already suffered immensely withhundreds of thousands of people losing their livelihood. It cannot afford anymore losses or there would be a catastrophe.

Sindh is against any mega dams on the ground that there is simply no extra waterfor them. Since last few years the water in the Indus River System has been96-104 MAF while under the 1991 Accord provinces have been allocated114.35-117.35 MAF. It is only once in 5-10 years that a flood occurs enhancingthe figures. Dams worth hundreds of billions of rupees cannot be built on theassumptions of floods every 5-10 years. It would be a criminal waste offinancial resourcesthat the country would have to pay dearly.

And why to build dams citing the silting in Tarbela when the government has anexperts report with it on the de-silting of the reservoir? And also thatthere are many alternates for power and water that could be undertaken at muchlower costs and would be more beneficial. Same is the case with NFC when the provincial governments and the federalauthorities are hoodwinking the people. Instead of seeking 80% share for their97% population, the provinces are nowhere near even presenting their caseproperly! It all looks like a pre-arranged affair where the people at largewould suffer and the federal government, its agencies and few powerful lobbieswould be the beneficiaries!

Still they say Sindh and Balochistan are at fault, they are anti-development!Nothing could be farther from truth. They need it the most. But only if they areco-opted and if it is beneficial to their people.Regards,Aziz NarejoTX, USA

Friday, January 12, 2007

India: Sachar Committee Report

Dear FriendsI just heard about the Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee report on social, economic and educational status of Muslims across India was recently tabled in Lok Sabha.It recognizes special problems of the muslim community in India and suggest very creative measures relating to affirmative action programs, special quotas etc to help needy muslims.A brief review indicates to me that condition of muslims in India is generally similar to condition of Sindhis and Balochis in Pakistan. We need a similar report and similar action program by the government of Pakistan for our community.Following is a brief summary/ review. I hope that it will give some ideas to our communities and government of Pakistan. The committee has favoured a group of Muslims with traditional occupations as that of scheduled castes be designated as most backward classes and provided 'multifarious measures,' including reservation. The panel has said Muslims in the country have three groups in terms of their social structure. These are ashrafs, ajlafs and arzals."The three groups require different types of affirmative action," said the report, tabled by Minority Affairs Minister A R Antulay.Of the three groups, arzals whose traditional occupation is similar to that of SCs, may be designated as MBCs and provided reservation. This particular group, the panel said, needs multifarious measures including reservation as it remains 'cumulatively oppressed.'Antulay later told reporters that the report is the 'best thing' that has happened to the community. The issue of reservation has been dealt in the chapter on 'Muslim OBCs and Affirmative Action.'The number of Muslims in security agencies was 3.2 per cent -- 60,517 out of the total of 18,79,134 in CRPF, CISF, BSF, SSB and 'other agencies,' it said without specifying whether armed forces were included or not. The Muslims' headcount in the armed forces sought by the panel had triggered a controversy in Parliament sometime back.Observing that a 'very small' proportion of government/public sector employees are Muslims, concentrated in lower level positions, the panel recommended that it may be desirable to have minority persons on interview panels. This can be done on the lines of SC/ST participation in panels, it said. The committee recommended constitution of a 'equal opportunity commission' to look into grievances of deprived groups. It said an example of such a policy tool is the UK Race Relations Act, 1976.Such a measure while providing a redressal mechanism for different types of discrimination will give a further reassurance to minorities that any unfair action against them will invite the vigilance of the law, it said.Noting that Muslim participation in electoral bodies is known to be small, the report said of the 543 Lok Sabha members, only 33 are Muslims. The panel made out a strong case to put mechanisms in place to enable Muslims to engage in democratic processes and governance. "Mere material change will not bring about the true empowerment of the minorities; they need to acquire and be given the required collective agency."It said a carefully conceived 'nomination procedure' can be worked out to increase the participation of minorities at grassroots. Mechanism should be put in place so that a large number of minorities are indeed nominated to increase their participation in public bodies.It has suggested that the steps taken by Andhra Pradesh to promote participation of deprived sections in elected bodies could be used to enhance Muslim participation in the decision-making processes.Noting that over the last 60 years, minorities have scarcely occupied adequate public spaces, it said the participation of Muslims in 'nearly all political spaces is low, which can have an adverse impact on Indian society and polity in the long run.'"Given the power of numbers in a democratic polity, based on universal franchise, minorities in India lack effective agency and political importance," the 404-page report said.The minorities, it said, 'do not have the necessary influence or the opportunity to either change or even influence events, which enable their meaningful and active participation in development process.' The committee has recommended elimination of anomalies with respect to reserved constituencies under the delimitation schemes."A more rational delimitation procedure that does not reserve constituencies with high minority population shares for SCs will improve the opportunity for minorities, especially Muslims, to contest and get elected to Parliament and state assemblies," the report said.Referring to educational opportunities for Muslims, the committee recommended mechanisms where madrassa can be linked with a higher secondary school board so that students wanting to shift to a regular/mainstream education can do so after having passed from a madrassa.It recommended recognition of degrees from madrassas for eligibility in competitive examinations such as civil services, banks, defence services and other such examinations. It also suggested that a process of evaluating the content of the school textbooks needed to be initiated and institutionalised.The seven-member committee was constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in March this year and its tenure was extended till November 30. The report has come against the backdrop of the prime minister's observation that Muslims should get a 'fair share' in government jobs, which had triggered a debate. The formation of the committee had created uproar in Parliament due to the committee's reported move to seek a head count of Muslims in armed forces.Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.Ali Nawaz MemonSindh Development Institute7204 Antares Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879 http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/sindhhouse@hotmail.com

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Be Richer: Goal 2007?

I. As a first goal for 2007, I suggested giving scholarships to deserving in the community. Rp 600 ($10) permonth for elementry school, Rp 900 ($15) for secondary school, and about Rp 1200 ($20) permonth for college in Pakistan is reasonable.

We can make a lot of difference to lives of individuals-- one at a time. My goal is 100,000 scholarships. There have been some great proposals from Dr. Laghari of SZABIST and Saeen Danish Jatoi from City School in Bhit Shah. I know that many of you are already giving scholarships. Please continue to do that and do more. Some friends have asked for sample application forms or selection criteria. I have requested Sain Zafar from FAME scholarship program if they will be kind enough to share the required information with others who are interested in sponsoring scholarships.

At this stage, I do not want you to sponsor scholarships through me or Sindh Development Institute. Please do it directly. However, I want to facilitate it. If we can reach goal of 100,000 scholarships in Sindh, I promise you that face of Sindh will change for much better.II. As second goal, I propose that we all make a promise to ourselves to be richer in honest and legal way. As a retired banker and practicing financial consultant, I can tell you that it is not very difficult.(a) Simple formula is SPEND LESS THAN YOU EARN. No matter how little income you have, please SAVE SOME AND INVEST. Even if you are barely meeting your expenses, saving something will not make your life much worse. Saving today will make life easier tomorrow.If you are financially comfortable, begin saving in a regular (monthly) way and start investing it wisely.(b) Increase your earnings. In my case, as a banker I accepted assignments in difficult countries like Nigeria because it paid more allowances/ salary. It generated savings. You may consider getting an additional job on part time basis or working harder on your land, or keeping your shop open for a few more hours in order to increase your savings.(c) Control your expenses. Look at your budget. Talk to your family and find ways to spend less in order to increase your savings. Please stop or at least cut your expenses on show off ceremonies-- big weddings, khutna etc.(d) Invest wisely. In my case, I have found real estate or property to be a very good investment. Buy an acre of land in your village or a plot in your town. You will see how the value will increase. SZABIST just spent Rp 20 million for two acres of land in Larkana. Imagine that!

Please share your ideas about how to be rich in honest and legal way. If our community becomes richer, it will be able to take care of our own needs and help others too.Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.

Goal 2007?

A lot of good ideas have been coming for improving education in Sindh.

Of course, our community as a whole needs institutional support. However, I wonder what is missing at individual level. Is shortage of money the main issue? Will availability of a large number of scholarships make a big dent in the problem?

of course, foreign scholarships are very expensive, but local scholarships are not so expensive. What if we launched a campaign for one lakh scholarships for deserving students in Sindh in 2007? What will be appropriate amount of scholarship? Rp 600 per month at primary level? Rp 900 at high school? Rp 1800 at college level?

Will it be a worth while goal to launch a campaign for fund raising for this project? I shall be Inshaullah willing to contribute. Will you? How can we make this a worlwide campaign in aid of Sindhi youth?Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Vision, Mission and Values of Sindh Development Institute

Vision(a) A democratic, socially just and prosperous Sindhi community(b) Guided by full participation by community members in all parts of the world,(c) Realization of full potential of its people and their aspirations for full, sustainable and self reliant development

Mission

Cooperation with, and encouragement and assistence to all organizations and individuals who are working towards:(a) Accelerated economic and political development of Sindh(b) Assistance to poor and disadvantaged to achieve their goals for development.

Focus will be on all aspects of human development- political participation, education, business and employment generation, improved health.

Initially Sindh Development Institute will not initiate own projects but will focuss on coperation with and assistence to existing organizations who aim to advance all or parts of our Mission.

Values· We believe in equity with our development partners in Sindh, other parts of Pakistan and all other parts of the world. In this context, we shall cooperate with like minded political activists, civil servants, NGOs, charitable organizations· We encourage wide ownership of our vision and mission.· Our vision and mission must be achieved through productive work, mutual trust, honesty, professionalism and transparency.· We must have clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, which include accountability and effective participation.· We now that our community is weak and requires development. We believe that everyone should achieve their basic rights and discharge their obligations.

We shall educate our children and ensure that they can earn to pay for their education.

We shall always keep our children and the environment clean.

We shall build and use pit-latrines.

We shall drink water from tubewells. If it is not available, we shall boil water or use alum.

We shall not take any dowry at our sons' weddings, neither shall we give any dowry at our daughters wedding. We shall keep our centre free from the curse of dowry. We shall not practice child marriage.

We shall not inflict any injustice on anyone, neither shall we allow anyone to do so.